Nelson volleyball player Atlyn Proctor has signed a full-ride scholarship that will see her play for the Hutchinson Community College Div 1 Blue Dragons next year, in Hutchinson, Kansas.
The daughter of two former professional volleyball players, the local Grade 12 hitter led the L.V. Rogers Bombers to a seventh-place finish at provincials last year — one of the best in Bomber’s history since 1987.
“It’s pretty great,” said Proctor, 17, while signing her papers in the Bomber’s Hanger earlier this month. “I’m excited. I just love hitting the ball. And I love the team aspect of the game and the energy.”
Delice Downing coaches Hutchinson, which plays in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s first division.
The coach says Proctor, who trained with the Blue Dragons when visiting the campus of 5,000 students in October, can elevate a match with her style of play.
“Her aggressive play at the net has that ‘wow factor,’” Downing says. “She’s a high leaper with a toolbox that all hitters need. To top it off, she’s so coachable.”
LVR athletic director Ryan MacKinnon agrees.
“Atlyn’s eager to learn and a natural when it comes to sport in general. She’s a great teammate,” says McKinnon. “Plus, she comes from a family of athletes and a tradition of excellence and performance.”
Proctor’s parents Greg and Staci both played professionally in Europe for six years in Switzerland. Staci, also the Bomber’s coach, played at University of British Columbia and was a member of the B.C. provincial team. Greg played at University of Alberta, was a member of the national team and played for the Saskatchewan provincial team.
Pre-season for the Blue Dragons starts in early August.